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Researching the
Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site of Canada
Recherche sur la Forteresse-de-Louisbourg Lieu historique national du Canada
An Event Chronology Based on Louisbourg Accounts Not Available in the Archives of the Fortress of Louisbourg, By Eric Krause, Krause House Info-Research Solutions, 2004 - Present
1748
1748
1748
"To the Honl Theodore Atkinson Esqr & others Purchasers &
Proprietors of Mason's Right so called -- We ye Subscribers some of ye
Officers & Soldiers in ye late Expediton against Cape Briton
understanding that you are about to grant Lands to ye Subjects of
this Province upon certain Terms unknown to us & having had encouragement
that we might obtain a Township upon Application We therefore pray in ye
Name on on ye behalf of ye Said Officers & Soldiers as
well as on our own that there may be a Township or tract of Land granted to ye
Sd officers & Soldiers upon such Terms & in Such Manner as
you grant to others of our Fellow Subjects or upon such Terms as to you may Seem
best for your & our Interest.
(List of petitioners with Captain Ladd, 1748, Masonian Papers, Vol. 5, p. 52.)
| Nathanial Ash | John Ellit |
| Samuel franch junr | Thomas Estoman |
| Samuel Goodwin | Left Jonathan farrin |
| Ser Jonathan Greeley | Samuel franch junr |
| Jonathan Greeley | Samuel Goodwin |
| Joseph Greely | Ser Jonathan Greeley |
| Ambrous Hines | Jonathan Greeley |
| Charles Hontoun | Joseph Greely |
| John Hubbourd | Ambrous Hines |
| Josier Huck | Charles Hontoun |
| Samuel Juel | John Hubbourd |
| Jonathan Kimbel | Josier Huck |
| Capt John Lad | Samuel Juel |
| John Lad junr | Jonathan Kimbel |
| Trueworthy Lad | Capt John Lad |
| Samuel Lock | John Lad junr |
| Thomas Lock | Trueworthy Lad |
| thomas newman | Samuel Lock |
| William Page | Thomas Lock |
| Paul Prassay | thomas newman |
| Moses Atkions | William Page |
| olander Bayley | Paul Prassay |
| Henery Bayley | Eilias Rano |
| Joseph Bean | Benjamin Sanbourn |
| thomas Bettel | Left Samuel Sanbourn |
| Ser Ralph Blaisdel | Samuel Scribner |
| Ralph Blaisdill Corpor | Left Joseph Sleeper |
| John Calfe | Henery Sleeper |
| Phillip Challis | Hezikiah Sleeper |
| Benjamin Chout | John Young junr |
| Ser Jonathan Chout | Left Joseph Sleeper |
| Caleb Clough | Samuel tomson |
| Epham Collins | Benjamin Tucker |
| Joseph Collens | Abraham Wadson |
| John Curriery | Jonathan Wadson |
| Jonathan Curriery | Ebenezer webster |
| Ser Moses Davis | William Whacher |
| androw Whecher | |
| Aaron Young | |
| Jonathan Young |
[http://newtonnh.us/history/ - "A Chronology of the Life and Times of Jonathan Farren", which is an expanded version of a chronology researched and compiled by James E. Shaw in 1993 for The Ferrin Family Newsletter]
January 5, 1748
Pennsylvania Gazette (Fair Use © Accessible Gazette Inc.)
Philadelphia, January 5.
Since our last our River has been so far clear, that the following Vessels, with a good deal of Difficulty, got up to Town, viz. The Ship Catherine, Captain Moore, from cape breton; a Brigt. and Sloop from Boston, Captains Pitts and Airy; and the Brigt. Recovery, Joseph Greenway, from Barbados. ....
January 12, 1748
Custom House, Philadelphia, Entered in. ...
Ship Catherine, John Drought, from Louisburgh.
[March 1, 1748]
Custom House, Philadelphia, Enter'd ...
Outwards....
Sloop Eagle, Oliver Arey, for Louisburgh.
Brigt. Louisburgh, Hugh Wright, for Jamaica. ...
From the Boston Evening Post, March 7.
"We hear that the Government have certain Advice from Mr. Agent Bollan, by Capt. Bradford, that on the 4th of December last, the Parliament granted 800,000 £. for the Charge of taking and keeping cape breton by the People of New England, and the Charge of Raising Forces for the Expedition that was design'd against Canada; and that the said Sum was included in a Grant of Ten Millions 200,000 £. made to his majesty as a Supply for the current Year."...
[March 15, 1748]
Custom House, Philadelphia, Enter'd...
Cleared.
Brigt. Louisburgh, Hugh Wright, to Jamaica....
Boston
In the House of Representatives, June 14, 1748.
Mr. Speaker having communicated to the House a printed Sheet of the Votes of the House of Commons, which he received from London by way of Hull containing the following Resolves, viz.
Lunae Die 4 Aprilis, 1748.
... "Resolved, That it is just and reasonable that the several Provinces and Colonies of Massachusetts Bay, New Hampshire, Connecticut, and Rhode Island, be reimbursed the Expences they have been at, in taking, and securing to the Crown of Great Britain, the Island of cape breton, and its Dependencies.
"Resolved, That a Sum, not exceeding One Hundred and eighty three Thousand six Hundred and forty-nine Pounds, two Shillings and Seven Pence Half-penny, be granted to His Majesty for reimbursing to the Province of Massachusetts Bay their Expences in the said Expedition.
"Resolved, That a Sum not exceeding Sixteen Thousand three hundred and fifty-five Pounds, thirteen Shillings and four Pence, be granted to his Majesty, for reimbursing to the Province of New Hampshire their Expences in the said Expedition.
"Resolved, That a Sum not exceeding Twenty-eight Thousand eight hundred and sixty-three Pounds, nineteen Shillings, and one Penny, be granted to His Majesty, for reimbursing to the Colony of Connecticut their Expences in the said Expedition.
"Resolved, That a Sum not exceeding Six Thousand three hundred and thirty-two Pounds, twelve Shillings and ten Pence, be granted to His Majesty, for reimbursing the Colony of Rhode Island their Expences in the said Expedition.
"Resolved,
That a Sum not exceeding Five Hundred and forty seven Pounds, fifteen Shillings,
be granted to His Majesty, to be allowed to James Gibson, Esq; for his Services
and Expences in the said Expedition.
Read and order'd, That Thomas Foster, Esq; go up to the honourable Board, and
lay the said printed Sheet before them.
Which was done by him accordingly. ...
194. Thomas Middleton , of St. Giles's Cripplegate, London, was indicted for stealing a canvas bag, val. 1 d. and 4 s. and 2 d. three farthings , the property of Walter Stanniford , March 14.
Walter Stanniford . I keep a publick house at the Woolpack in Jewin-street. The Prisoner came to my house at nine o'clock in the morning, and staid till five in the afternoon; he was there with his child, I went up stairs to my wife, and when I came down, I found my cupboard broke open, and my brother called to me to come down to give change for a shilling; when I came down, Mr. Middleton gave a shilling to change, I went to my cupboard, and I found there was a bag missing.
Q. What was there in it?
Stanniford. Four shillings and two pence three farthings.
Q. Was it a bag of halfpence?
Stanniford. Yes. I believe there was 6 d. in silver. I said somebody must know something of See original it, and I mentioned it to the company then there; and Mr. Middleton offered to stand search. My brother came to Mr. Middleton, hit his hand against his pocket and heard something gingle, and he said here it is, and he took it out of his pocket. Mr. Middleton said he did it in a joke, and desired for the sake of his wife and child, that I would forgive him.
Q. Was the cupboard locked?
Stanniford. Yes.
Q. Where was it?
Stanniford. In the bar backwards.
Q. Is the money in it as it was when you left it?
Stanniford. It is the same money as it was taken out of his pocket?
Q. Do you know any of the pieces?
Stanniford. Yes. There was a piece with a boar's head.
Q. Was that in it when the cupboard was broke open?
Stanniford. It was.
Thomas Stanniford . The company were forward, and I saw the Prisoner go backward, and I am sure no body else went backward but him.
Q. What did he go for?
Stanniford. I believe he went to the little-house.
Q. How long was your brother gone up stairs?
Stanniford. I believe about four or five minutes. I called my brother down to give change to somebody for a pint of beer; when he came down, he went to the bar to give change for a shilling, and missed the money; and the Prisoner gave my brother a shilling to change, and my brother said, the cupboard was broke open: and he said, he would have them all searched, and the Prisoner offered to stand search, and said, what did I mean by questioning such a person as him? so I went and struck my hand against his pocket, and I heard the halfpence gingle, and took the bag out of his pocket, and I said, I have a mind to strike it down your throat, only it would be wasting it upon you.
Q. How came you to suspect the Prisoner?
Stanniford. Because he was more ready to strip and be searched than the rest; and he said, he took it out of a joke off the bar.
Prisoner. Did not you see me take it off the bar?
Stanniford. I did not.
Prisoner. Did not I say I had a mind to have a joke with your brother?
Stanniford. No, you did not.
Prisoner. The Prosecutor was by and saw me take it off the bar.
Q. to Mr. Stanniford. Who was in the house at that time?
Walter Stanniford . One Mr. Evans.
William Evans . I was in the house the 14th of March, and saw the bag taken out of his pocket.
Q. Did not the Prisoner say he took the money in order to play a joke upon his brother?
Evans. He did not.
Q. Did he go backwards?
Evans. He went backwards out of my company.
John Hastings . I have known the Prisoner five or six years, and never heard any thing against him, and used now and then to spend an evening with him.
Prisoner. Was not you with the Prosecutor?
Hastings. Yes.
Prisoner. What did he say to you?
Hastings. The Prosecutor told me he had no witness against him but his brother, and the Prosecutor himself said, he did not see his brother take it out of his pocket.
William Hunt . I live in Southampton-street, Covent-Garden, I am a taylor; I have kept company with the Prisoner eight or nine years, and never knew any ill of him. I think his father was a broker in Houndsditch.
Q. to Mr. Stanniford. What does he prosess?
Walter Stanniford . I don't know, he went by the name of captain. he lived in Jewin-street.
Guilty .
When he came to receive sentence he begged for corporal punishment, and said, he was an ensign in General Pepperel 's regiment at the taking of Cape Breton, and was sent home with an express by Commodore Knowles.
[ http://www.oldbaileyonline.org/html_units/1740s/t17480420-14.html - The Proceedings of the Old Bailey Ref: t17480420-14 ]
... Extract of a Letter from London, dated April 26.
By an Express yesterday from Aix la Chapelle, the Preliminaries have been sign'd by the English, French and Dutch Ministers, the latter answering for the Court of Spain, and the former for the Q. of Hungary. This agreeable Piece of News we expect confirm'd by this Night's Gazette. Stocks since Yesterday have advanced 7 and an half per Cent.
Saturday last our Province Ship the Massachusetts, Capt. Bennet Commander, sailed on a Cruize to the Southward for two Months.
We have Advice from Louisbourg, That on the 17th of last Month they had a Message from Spanish River, that a Party of French and Indians had surpriz'd and carried off two of our Coal Vessels. --- Upon which the Comet Bomb and another Vessel were fitted out, and sail'd the next Morning, with a Party of Soldiers on board, in order to recover the Vessels, but they arrived too late; however the Party of Soldiers were landed and finished the Blockhouse that was begun to be erected. Capts. Glover and Ellingwood were taken in the Vessels, and carried off by the Enemy; and at another Place Lieut. Glazier, who had the Command of a Guard, having walk'd some Distance from it, was also seiz'd and carried off by them ...
Boston
Extract of a Letter from Bristol, dated April 27.
An Account is come this Morning, of a Peace sign'd the second of May, N.S. by the Plenipo's of Great Britain. Cape Breton is to be deliver'd up, and Flanders restor'd ...
[April 28, 1748]
Boston,
... We have a Report in Town, that a Vessel is arrived at York (at the eastward) from cape breton, which brings Advice, that as she came out, 6 large Ships were standing in for Louisburgh. ...
[May 5, 1748]
Custom House, Philadelphia, ...
Outwards.
... ------ Greyhound, Lester Falkner, for cape breton. ...
[May 12, 1748]
Custom House, Philadelphia, Entered in....
----- Eagle, Oliver Arey, from Louisburgh. ...
Boston, May 16.
... The King has been pleased to constitute and appoint Robert Ellison, Esq; to be Lieutenant Governor of the island of cape breton, in the room of Lieut. Col. Hobson. ...
May 19, 1748
Custom House,
Philadelphia, Entered ...
Cleared.
... Brigt. Greyhound, Lester Faulkner, to cape breton. ...
Boston
Extract of a Letter from London, dated May 23, 1748.
We have had an Account of the Preliminaries being signed at Aix la Chapelle for a general Pacification; and as the restoring Louisbourg to the French was a fundamental Article, ten thousand Conjectures have been raised about the Time and Manner of its being given up, and the future Fate of the Troops in that Garrison --- It was asserted by very great People three Weeks ago, that half the Men of War in England would be disarmed in a Fortnight; but Orders were issued and executed with more Violence than ever the 19th Instant, and more than 500 Seamen impressed in the River that Evening: ---- No other Reason is given for this extraordinary Measure at present, than a Likelihood of a Spanish War, and the Uncertainty of a French Peace. --- The Stocks which rose 9, 10 and 11 per Cent. on the Preliminaries, have fallen 2, 2 and a half, and 3 per Cent. within these 3 Days; and from them, and every other Circumstance that wise Ones used to form their Judgments by, nothing is to be expected but War; tho' great pains is taken to keep up the Prospect of Peace. --- We also hear that near 100 Sail of French Vessels, which put into Ireland to load with Provisions, immediately upon the Time limited for the ceasing the Hostilities, were likewise embargoed.
Last Tuesday arrived Capt. Day, from Lisbon, by whom we are informed. that he sailed from thence on Sunday the 17th of June N.S. and that the Day before, in the Morning, a Post from Madrid, brought certain Advice, that the Court of Spain had acceded to the Cessation of Arms in the same Manner that was agreed upon between Great Britain, France and the States General; and that Hostilities on the part of Spain were accordingly to cease at the same Period. This was told Capt. Day by a Merchant of good Credit at Lisbon just before he sailed, who shewed him a Portuguese Newspaper in which it was inserted; and as Capt. Day had all his Letters and Papers for this Place on board a Week before he sail'd, some of which Letters intimate, that the Spaniards stood out, and would not sign, nor was there any likelihood of it, so now the Gentleman told him the contrary, and said, that he might inform any Person in New England, That the above News of Spain's agreeing to the Cessation might be depended upon ...
[May 26, 1748]
Custom House,
Philadelphia, Entered ...
------ Louisburgh, Hugh Wright, from Jamaica.
Outwards.
Brigt. Louisburgh, Hugh Wright, for Jamaica. ...
Cleared.
Sloop Joseph And
Mary, N. Ambler, to cape breton.
----- Dolphin, Blathwait Jones, to cape breton. ...
June
9, 1748
Pennsylvania Gazette (Fair Use © Accessible Gazette Inc.)
Philadelphia, June 9. 1748.
Deserted from his Majesty's service the following persons, viz. Patrick Burk, born in Ireland, about 27 years of age, was lately servant to William Moore, Esq; in Chester county. George Savage, born in England, by trade a taylor, about 25 years of age, a thin spare man, and used to work at Burdenton, New Jersey. Thomas Murray, born in Ireland, about 35 years of age, by trade a weaver, plays on the bagpipes. An Edward Smith, born in Ireland, about 37 years of age. The above deserters were lately taken by the Spaniards in their passage to the garrison at cape breton, and were put ashore below Newcastle. ... Whoever takes up said deserters, or either of them, and brings them to John Huston, in Philadelphia, or secures them in any of his Majesty's goals, so that they may be had again, shall have Forty Shillings reward for each, and reasonable charges, paid by JOHN HUSTON.
[June 23, 1748]
Custom House,
Philadelphia, ...
Cleared.... Brigt. Louisburgh, Hugh Wright, to Antigua. ...
[July 7, 1748]
Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred Inwards.
Brigt. Greyhound, Lester Falkner, from cape breton. ...
[July 14, 1748]
Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred ...
Outwards.
... Brigt. Greyhound, Lester Falkner, for cape breton. ...
Boston
Extract of a Letter from Louisbourg, dated July 23.
"Yesterday a 40 Gun Ship arrived here from England, which parted with Admiral Watson, who is gone to Newfoundland, and is to come here with several Sail of Men of War. It is said there will be 17 or 18 here either in the Fall or Spring. This Place is to be the general Rendezvous."
New York, July 25.
At Boston they have received almost the same Intelligences from Europe, as we, both from Plymouth and Lisbon, only the Accounts of the Preliminaries from Lisbon ... --- May it not be fear'd, something is in Agitation like what Dr. Douglass of Boston, says in his Summary, Page 8. happen'd at the Treaty of Utrecht? While the Peace was negociating, Mr. More, of the Board of Trade and Plantations, was so barefacedly corrupt, when the Importance of cape breton was represented, be answered, Must the French then have nothing?)
New York Post Boy.
[August 4, 1748]
Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred ...
Cleared.
... ---- Eagle, Nathaniel Ambler, to cape breton. ...
Philadelphia, August 18.
From New York ... That cape breton is to be delivered up to the French, upon their repaying the Charge of taking it ...
Boston, August 22.
We are credibly informed, that a gentleman writes from cape breton (who arrived there in the Penzance Man of War) to his Friend at Piscataqua, That he would not have him to be uneasy, for that Place was to be restored to the French, and that a Demand for it was daily expected.
From the London Evening Post of August 23. 1748.
An ODE on the
RESTITUTION of cape breton.
RECITATIVO.
AT length the melancholy morn appears,
When poor Britannia must, alas! resign
Yon favourite isle. Her sons, dissolv'd in tears,
Reluctant quit, and each cries, 'she was mine.'
AIR.
Ye valiant
chiefs, who nobly won this Prize,
From grateful altars let sweet incense rise:
Each Briton renders, where so justly due,
(Success tho' baffled) praise no less to you.
CHORUS.
Ambitious Gaul
will now record in story,
This is the period of Great Britain's glory.
AIR.
In days to come,
the youths unborn
Shall in our annals view this scene:
And cry, 'O! could it be out torn?
'Or happier much it ne'er had been.
RECITATIVO.
Our honour then
not basely had been tainted,
But Gallia with our prowess more acquainted.
AIR
Of alter'd times,
To rival climes,
Glad tidings fame will bear;
Of poignant shame,
To Britain's name,
And ignominious war.
RECITATIVO.
Th' infernal
B----rs grim, and shout away!
'To cur dear Gallia bear the welcome prey;
'Yon pleasing form for ever from their eyes
'Shall sink; all commerce there for ever dies.'
AIR.
Ah lovely isle!
wer't thou by heav'n design'd
With that ambitious monster to be join'd?
Yes, now too late the fatal truth we see;
So our dark M----rs it's fate decrees.
CHORUS.
Ambitious Gaul
will now record in story,
This is the period of Great Britain's glory.
Boston
Extract of a Letter from Louisburgh, dated
August 26, 1748.
"On the 23d Capt. Connely arrived here in five weeks from London. We have reason to believe this place will soon be evacuated to the French, but when is only conjecture. Most of the ordnance stores are order'd to Annapolis Royal: An order foes by this conveyance to Messieurs Apthorp and Hancock, not to ship any thing more to this garrison, and what was to come here, to Annapolis-Royal.
[September 1, 1748]
Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred Inwards
... Brigt. Louisbourgh, Hugh Wright, from Antigua. ...
Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred Inwards.
... Sloop Dolphin, Blathwane Jones, from Louisbourgh ... [Brigt] ...Dolphin, John Morrison, from Louisbourgh ... Brigt. Friendship, William Wirling, from Louisbourgh ...
Boston ...
September 5.
By Capt. Morton from cape breton, we hear, that Capt. Connoly was arrived there from England, with Orders for the Garrison to evacuate Louisburgh, and that in Consequence of those Orders, they had actually begun to ship off some of the Stores for Annapolis-Royal.
September 5.
By Capt. Morton from cape breton, we hear, that Capt. Connoly was arrived there from England, with Orders for the Garrison to evacuate Louisburgh, and that in Consequence of those Orders, they had actually begun to ship off some of the Stores for Annapolis-Royal.
From the Westminster Journal, Sept. 17.
SIR,
AS the restitution of cape breton is a point absolutely determined by the very preliminaries of peace, I desire you would publish the following computation (which I dare say does not exceed the truth) of what that island has cost us, in the taking and keeping to this time.
Money
granted by parliament to reimburse
Massachusetts
Bay
183,649 2 7 1/2
New
Hampshire
16,355 13 4
Connecticut
28,863 19 1
Rhode
Island
6,333 12 10
James Gibson, Esq;
547 15 0
235,747 2 10 1/2
To the charge of garrison, store, &c. at a moderate medium of 60,000 £. a year for three years since 180,000 £. 0 0
To extraordinary
expence of shipping in reducing of Louisburgh, and protecting the harbour ever
since, suppose only (which I imagine is much too low, but not having so good
authority, here as in the other articles, would not exceed) 150,000 £.
Total
565,747 2 10 1/2
The charge of transports to bring off our soldiers, people, &c. had like to have forgot; but if this, and other incidents are only sufficient to make the gross sum 600,000 £.
This is three times as much as Dunkirk was sold for to France, by king Charles II, and since that price is blam'd for making a bad market, what must be said of those who give such an extravagant present?
Boston, September 19.
We have the Pleasure to inform our Readers, that the Report we had some Time
since, of Col. Gorham's being kill'd by the Indians, proves groundless" By
Vessels from Annapolis Royal, we are informed, that the Col. with 2 arm'd
Schooners, and 8 Whale Boats, with about 100 Men, coming down the River Pisget,
were attack'd by a Body of Indians from the Shore, and had an Indian belonging
to one of the Schooners wounded, but upon landing his Men, the Enemy retreated
into the Woods. --- After this, the Col. march'd to the Grand Prie, at Minas,
with Drums beating, and Colours flying, where the King's Proclamation for a
Cessation of Arms, was read both in French and English, at which the Inhabitants
seemed well pleased.
Yesterday the fortunate Capt. Freeman arrived here from Newfoundland, and
brought with him his rich Spanish Prize, lately mentioned in the Papers. She is
about 400 Tons, and has been condemn'd as lawful Prize at St. Johns in
Newfoundland.
Last Thursday his Majesty's Ship Hastings, came into Nantasket Harbour, from
Piscataqua.
By a Letter from Louisbourg, dated the 8th Inst. we have Advice, that Admiral
Watson was arrived there from Newfoundland.
Extract of a Letter from Annapolis Royal, dated September 21.
"Yesterday arrived the Greyhound Man of War from Louisbourg, and gives an Account of the Peace being signed, but not declared; and that the Dutch are to fortify Chebucto and Canso in Exchange for the Low Countries: This is the News from England; and the French of Nova Scotia made over to the French King; and Nova Scotia a Civil Government." ...
[September 22, 1748]
Custom House,
Philadelphia, Entred Inwards. ...
Brigt. Happy Grove, Allison Chapman, from Louisburgh. ...
Outwards.
----- Louisburg, Hugh Wright, for Jamaica. ...
Boston, October 10.
... Tuesday last arrived here a Schooner in 18 Days from Louisbourgh, which brought 45 of the English Prisoners lately sent there from Canada, in a French Frigate, which is since sailed for France, with a very great Quantity of Furs on board.
By this Vessel we learn, that one of the Kings Sloops was arrived at Louisbourgh with Packets to the Governor, and 'twas reported, that the French Fleet was not to come to take Possession of the Place till next Spring; and also, that a Ship was arrived there with Stores for his Majesty's Ships of War, and Cloathing for the Garrison.
By another Vessel with a shorter Passage from Louisbourgh, we hear, that about the middle of September past, the Purser of the Penzance Man of War cut his Throat from Ear to Ear, and was found dead in his Apartment on board the said Ship, with his Watch hanging up by him.
By this Vessel we hear that Admiral Watson had sent the Greyhound Man of War to Annapolis, to fetch the Captain of the Port Mahon, to be tried by a Court Martial, for taking on board his Ship at Saltertuda, a large Quantity of Salt, and other Offences.
By a Vessel in 48 Hours from Annapolis Royal, we are told, that three Vessels had arrived there from Louisbourg laded with Timber, and other Materials for building, &c. and some Cannon; and that they were building two large Barracks for the Reception of the Soldiers expected there from Louisbourgh.
We also hear from the same Place, that three of the Inhabitants of Nova Scotia, who had rebelled, and taken up Arms against the English, were taken, and sent Prisoners to the Fort: And that another has voluntarily come in, and thrown himself upon the Mercy of the Government, and informed against 60 or 70 of the said Inhabitants, who had treacherously taken up Arms, and join'd and assisted the French and Indian Enemy the fatal Night wherein Col. Noble, and about 70 of our brave Soldiers were surprized and slain at Minas ...
October 13, 1748
Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred ...
Cleared.... Brigt. Louisburgh, Hugh Wright, to Gilbraltar. ...
Boston, Oct. 17.
By a vessel from Louisburgh we hear, that seven (some say more) of his Majestys ships were arrived there; and many more expected.
Boston, Oct. 31.
We hear from Louisburgh, that Admiral Watson was sailed for England, as were likewise his Majesty's ships Worcester and Comet Bomb.
November
10, 1748
Pennsylvania Gazette (Fair Use © Accessible Gazette Inc.)
[November 10, 1748]
Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred ...
Cleared. ... Brigt. Happy Grove, Allanson Chapman, to cape breton. ...
[November 24, 1748]
Custom House, Philadelphia, Entred Inwards. ...
Schooner, Britannia, Aylmer Gravil, from Louisburgh. ...
Boston, November 28.
By a letter from Annapolis Royal, dated the 2d instant, we have advice, that on the 20th of October last, Capt. Prebble and Coffin with 30 men, embark'd on board the Warren schooner, and the next day Capt. Gorham, on board the Anson, with 30 men, and sail'd the 24th for St. John's river: That on Friday the 28th Capt. Gorham with ten men and paddles went to the east of the harbour, and Capt. Prebble and Capt. Davis, commander of the Warren, with 5 oars-men went to the westward of the harbour to make discoveries; and going ashore, were fired upon by the Indians, and one of Capt. Prebble's men, William Croxford, shot thro' his body, who died 3 days after of the wound. Two of Capt. Gorham's men were also killed, and three wounded. Capt. Prebble also narrowly escap'd with his life, for seeing one of the Indians presenting his gun at him, at about 80 yards distance, he slept behind a small tree, in the center of which the ball lodg'd directly against his body: He immediately return'd the fire with a brace of balls, as did Capt. Davis, which he hopes did execution: After which they retreated safely to the boat, and returned to the vessels. They took two of the enemy, and bro't them with them; one of which is said to be son to one of the chiefs, who afterwards made his escape.
We have advice from Rhode Island that on the nineteenth inst. in the evening, the Ferry-boat in passing from Conanicut to Newport, was overset, by which accident the Ferryman, 2 white men passengers, 2 negroes, and 2 valuable horses, were drowned.
By vessels from Louisbourg we are inform'd, that all the men of war, and even the Annapolis station ship, were gone home, and that the Captains Neven and Cale, in two large ships that sail'd from this port some time since for Louisbourgh, were loading with artillery and stores for Annapolis Royal.
[December
20, 1748]
From the Boston Independent Advertiser.
A Late paper contain'd some political reflections on the conduct of the M---st---y during the war, wherein it was observ'd how the nation in general will probably be effected, if what is transmitted to us as the preliminaries of Aix-la-Chapelle should be the basis of the approaching peace --- what related particularly to this province, as he Zeal and Importance of our services --- the treatment we have received, and our present Situation, was left to an after consideration: And tho' we are not quite arriv'd at that point of time which will countenance our treating this subject with unlimited freedom, I shall yet observe that honest plainness which becomes an Englishman, and is not yet dangerous in an English country.
It is beyond my present purpose to look further back than the Year 1744, when the flame of war which was first enkindled in the east, spread itself to these western parts of the world --- our frontiers being now expos'd to the depredations of a savage and merciless enemy, and our coasts infested by our Cape-Breton neighbours, Canceau, a place of importance to our fishery, was soon taken and destroy'd, and their successes prompted them to attempt even the gaining of Annapolis, which were it not for the generous, assistance afforded them from this province, must infallibly have fallen into their hands. --- These daring actions were sufficient to alarm New-England, and raise very gloomy apprehensions of increasing mischief.
---But by the return of many of our seamen who were carried into Louisbourgh, we learnt how much that fortress had been weakened, by supplying and manning a large fleet of East-India ships, and some men of war which sailed from thence for Old France late in the fall --- that they were short of necessaries, and their garrison not a little mutinous --- as also that their grand supplies were not expected till late in the spring. We then very naturally concluded, it was the important crisis, when an attempt upon that fortress might be any way practicable. --- These advices affording a little prospect of success, rais'd such a spirit in New Englandmen to this undertaking, as no appearance of difficulty and hazard could damp; --- New-England men --- whose breasts always burn with brave and loyal sentiments, and who catch at all opportunities of displaying their regard for their mother-country, and the affection they have for their own.
I believe it will not soon be forgot, with what a mighty ardour this undertaking was pushed forward by all orders and degrees among us, --- as we were all united in the same common interest, we seemed in this inspir'd with the same common wish. --- Tho' the number of males in this province was but about thirty seven thousand, yet near one sixth part of this number readily inlisted into this service; --- they boldly committed themselves to the tempestuous sea --- an element untried and unknown to the greater part of them. --- The trading part of the province chearfully submitted to a long embargo, (which the neighbouring governments excus'd themselves from, and so had an opportunity of supplying foreign markets, to our very great loss. --- Our fishery and husbandry were almost entirely neglected --- and every man's private concerns seemed to be swallowed up in this grand concern of the publick. The levies were soon made, and every thing necessary for the siege got ready in so short a time as can scarce be tho't credible, and on the 17th of March they fleet sail'd, followed by the wishes and prayers of all they left behind, as upon their success --- not their own interest, but the fate of their country, seem'd to depend. Thro' the remarkable assistance of divine providence this most hazardous and surprizing attempt succeeded!
But the particulars relating to this siege, which gain'd the attention of all Europe, I hope will be faithfully transmitted to posterity more at large than can be expected from this paper.
The importance of this our conquest was so considerable, that our own fishery was not only wholly secured, but the enemies entirely ruined --- our navigation in these seas were now freed from danger, and our seaports no longer dreaded their depredations - they were now deprived of the only convenient port they had for their East and West-India ships to recruit and take convoy at - and by gaining the entire command of St. Lawrence river, those supplies might have been cut off which enabled Quebec to furnish our Indian enemies with the means of our distress, and a glorious opportunity was presented to our M---st--y, of making an easy conquest of all Canada: And had not those regiments which by the order of his M---st--y were raised, been kept so long in a state of inactivity, and those brave men which reduced Cape-Breton been detained there, --- we might in all probability have surprized the nation with that conquest also --- and so have put all North America --- the most valuable branches of trade, and the finest nursery for seamen, into their possession --- France has now very plainly discovered he sense she has of the importance of keeping this Island in her own possession; --- we see her ready to give up her five years triumphs in the Netherlands, purchased with the blood of Myriads of her people, and the expence of millions of her money, if she may but again obtain it.
Thus important have our services been to the nation, but what returns have we received, and what advantages has my country derived? Has she gained the favour of the British M---st--y by her glorious achievements? Or does not the Treatment she has received from them speak the contrary? A certain great man's reply to one of our Ag---ts, to be sure seems to intimate it, when he observed, 'That if any thing was allowed us as a reimbursement of our expedition charges, it must be received as a bounty, we having engaged in that undertaking without orders,' and several other things to the same purpose, 'tis said, were dropped, too disagreeable for him to mention.
We had very early
the mortification of hearing, that those rich East India and South-Seamen, the
capture of which was the immediate consequence of this conquest, and more
directly owing to the bravery of our men than any other cause, were to be the
sole property of those who never flung a shot against that citadel.
The Year following an admiral of France sailed with a most powerful fleet, to
retrieve this fatal loss, and spread desolation and ruin throughout all our sea
costs: Elate they came with the prospect of success, and the hopes of revenge
--- they came unnoticed, unwatched --- let not futurity say avoided by a
squadron of English men of war; they came possest with the means of our
destruction, with the strongest hopes of finding us unprotected by a superior
force, on what just reasons grounded, let the world judge. Deserted and
defenceless, we were can upon the care of that kind providence, who had before
crowned us with a success, at least adequate, to our largest wishes: By a train
of remarkable events, the dreaded evil was warded off from us, not by human
might or wisdom without the friendship, without the interposition of fleets, who
lay unactive at home, so puzzled were the M---y to know where to send them at
that critical juncture.
Great as our real services have been, thought mightily exhausted by the loss of multitudes of our valuable brethren in the service of the crown, we have not appear'd respectable enough to obtain any relaxation from impresses for the K--g's ships, tho' the West-India islands were thought of importance enough to deserve a total exemption. On the contrary, the K--g's ships (not without leave) have made this province their only resort for men, and not only supply'd their own necessity, but very neighbourly, as we have reason to think, carried off more than their compliment for other ships. The execution of this illegal and cruel measure has been conducted with an insolence and wantonness, which it will be as difficult to forget as to atone for: such scenes of merciless rapine, barbarity, and even Murder, have been open'd to us, as in any other country would have called down the distinguishing rigour of justice upon the guilty actors, if possible to be found: Yet some of these worthless men survive to upbraid the negligence of those who sacrifice the strength and security of the best laws to a criminal love, or inglorious fear, of a scoundrel C--t--n or C---m---d--re.
But what consummates al our misfortunes is the restitution of Louisbourg - a place of equal importance to the nation with Gibraltar - Louisbourg gained at the expence of New-England blood, and with the ruin of half the estates of the province, is again to return to its former masters, as an equivalent for the Netherlands, which is to our nation no equivalent at all, and this without any consideration to the brave captors for the cannon, stores, or the town itself --- without any consideration to the province! It is true, that our parliament have voted the reimbursement of the charge of taking it, which we would dutifully acknowledge, but our consequent damages have prodigiously exceeded that sum: And it must also be confessed, that the two gentlemen who were principally concerned in conducting the expedition were rewarded with the command of two regiments, which were ordered to be raised among us; but how much abused was my country by the base insinuation of some, who as it is said suggested to the M------y, that those officers who had served so gloriously, were unwilling to accept of any military posts, but that those whom they commanded were extremely desirous of being taken into his Majesty's service for life: However this be, the loss of those men who inlisted from this province into that service, added to our former losses, has been an unspeakable damage to us: Publick justice has detected and punished some of those w--th--less men, who by the most base and villainous artifices have enticed and abused the unwary into the service of the G------t with barbarities hitherto unknown, and as yet abhorred in a free country: some of these villainous scenes are come to light, some of the actors discovered, and the curtain half drawn away from others. The men who were pressed to defend our frontiers, allured into other services, and fresh and useful members of the community pressed in their stead --- nay, to the supply of these R-----ts, 'tis said, the commission of the P--ce have been made subservient, and J----s genteelly required to find a man for the service of the King, and the convenience of the C----l. The solicitations of our reimbursement we have been taught did not depend upon the merits of our past services, but upon new compliances, new expences, and new expeditions. We have been cajolled and intimidated, as the circumstances of things, and the necessity of the proposal required --- I could here enumerate many other things of this nature --- but the subject is ungrateful, it sufficiently appears, that the compliment paid to the province by the very few favours granted them for this affair, are no ways comparable to many apparent inconveniencies which have risen out of it.
But not --- Cape-breton is lost; our fishery in the most imminent danger --- our country drained of many of her inhabitants --- our debt heavy --- the balance of trade against us --- valuable lands given away to other colonies ---unp---tec---d and unredressed under the most cruel impositions --- our remaining commerce labouring under great inconveniencies --- sunk by our most laudable achievements --- whilst every other province gains the advantage of our zeal, and their own indolence.
Upon the whole, it is impossible for any man who truly loves his country, to be unaffected with the present melancholly situation of its affairs. To behold the fruits of all our labours, toils and hazards, given up at once to our proud insulting enemies! And ourselves, after all the brave attempts we have made, and the blessings of divine providence on our bravery, in a far worse condition than when the war commenced! To see our enemies (for enemies they are and will be in peace and war) again in possession of that dreaded fortress, of which it cost so much New-England blood and labour to dispossess them! Those hated ensigns again display'd on these walls which once bore the triumphs of our valour. It is neither possible, nor safe to look into futurity and our present load of affliction is so great, we need not increase it by raising imaginary dangers. Yet the mind opprest with grief, anxious and fearful, cannot help raising to itself most frightful prospects. Who can tell what will be the consequence of this peace in times to come? Perhaps this goodly land itself --- even this our beloved country, may share the same fate with this its conquest --- may be the purchase of a future peace --- our posterity, for whose sakes, as well as our own, the glorious expedition was undertaken, may be the tame and abject vassals of those, whose growing power gives us so much uneasiness --- Our religion and liberties, which animated us with such mighty resolution, the very name of them lost, and the things swallowed up in blind obedience to the infallible church, and blind adoration of the grand monarch --- the children of those brave men who fought so gloriously in this celebrated expedition, be the contented slaves of those whom their fathers conquered. But whether, alas! do my thoughts hurry me? --- Far be it, that I should arraign the conduct of those, who are our lawful and undoubted rulers. It lies not in our breast to make peace or war, and we ought patiently to submit to that made by our superiors, who ought to know better then we, what is best for us. Yet since even to slaves it is permitted to rejoice and grieve at their own pleasure, and they who hold their bodies in subjection, cannot pretend to controul their affections, I hope it will not be criminal in us to grieve and mourn our country. Yes, O my much lov'd country, thee I will lament with the most tender, thought unavailing grief! --- Nor shall time, which lessens all other mourning, erase from my breast, while I live, the memory of thee! --- esto perpetua would be my wish for thee, yet if fate has decreed otherwise, I can only wish thou mayst die in character, and not dishonour the great glory thou hast won; and as thy name will necessarily live to future times, it may be said of thee, Thou lived gloriously, and fell bravely.